Best Personal Defense Ammo & Grain ?

This is a discussion on Best Personal Defense Ammo & Grain ? within the Defensive Ammunition & Ballistics forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; From what I understand here on DC ... ( and again this all opinions ).
1. Winn. Ranger T +9+
2. Federal HST +p
And ...

Hello Crowman: With respect, the linked article you provided is over 10 years old.

Interesting...Try this one - it was updated in February, and is generally considered a good reference.

You will find lots of opinions on the what the best weight (grains) and bullet to carry. These are only opinions. There are numerous threads on the "best personal defense ammo". Here is one and here is one talking about 380.

I have no idea what "law enforcement" ammo means, other than marketing talk, and possibly that it meets certain FBI requirements. Other ammo could also meet or exceed these requirements. Some ammo, like the two you referenced, are not generally sold through consumer distribution channels, and are harder to find, and often out of stock. And when you want to know where to buy ammo, try this post.

Pretty much like anything else, I believe that defensive ammo is very subjective to the gun that you are shooting it from and the comfort level of the shooter itself. IMO ONLY, in my 92FS (which is no longer my carry weapon), I shoot Cor-bon 115g +p. I like the way it shoots, the recoil and re acquision is very smooth and normal for my shooting habits.

Now my CCW gun and ammo of choice has been;
- SIG 228, with Cor-Bon 115g +P, which again, I've grown accustom to.... however,
- My Glock 26, I use Speer Gold Dot 124g +P, which I'm VERY HAPPY with and will probably start using in my 228

Do you reseach, read the review and Try...try...try.... to see what feels comfortable with you and your weapon....

As others will also state, the most important thing is trying out different rounds to make sure that whatever you choose will cycle reliably in your carry gun. I think as long as you stick with the tried and true names out there, Speer, Cor-Bon, Hornady, Ranger, etc. you won't go wrong.

Also, don't hesitate to do a little searching. There's a lot of info out there (even on here) on this subject.

I use 124gr HST. I'm likely to switch to some 147gr or 147 +P round. Probably stick with HST or Gold Dot's.

In .45, I really like the 185gr +P DPX. If they made this bullet in 230gr, it would be tough to beat. It's already tough to beat at only 185gr. Even in 9mm the 115gr +P DPX is a good round. Barnes bullets used in the Cor-Bon DPX loads are the only lightweight rounds I think are sufficient. They provide deep penetration despite their lightweight, and very reliable expansion through a variety of barriers.

But really, you put any bullet in the right spot, you're likely to have good results. Even the "best" rounds have failures to stop.

I like bullets on the heavier end of the range of bullet weights available for a given cartridge. Any hollow point that can be demonstrated to work effectively is fine in automatics. Sharp-shouldered semi-wadcutter bullets, with or without hollow point, are really great in revolvers.

"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined." -Obligatory Founding Father Quote

Hello Crowman: With respect, the linked article you provided is over 10 years old.

If you take note in the link I provided it stated the following:Self-defense ammunition is a field in which improvements are continually taking place. In order to keep this article timely, in February 2006 and August 2011 I took the liberty of revising some sections in minor ways to keep them up to date and to include recent information.Ammunition For The Self-Defense Firearm